Holiday table settings don’t have to be overwhelming, difficult or costly...so we’ve put together two simple holiday tablescapes using basic everyday dishes, napkins & silverware to show you just how simple, yet elegant, a holiday table can be to create. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide explaining just what you’ll need and how to put it all together. 

STEP 1:  DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT YOUR FOCAL POINT TO BE

It’s important to decide what the centerpiece of your tablescape will be as this will anchor the layout of the table and dictate your shopping list.

The items and steps we’ve listed are based upon a round table but can easily be altered to accommodate a rectangular table. Add one or more sets of the centerpiece of choice, down the middle of your rectangular table.

Our first table setting we used three neutral Christmas trees as our centerpiece. Our second tablescape we used, already-owned, DIY birch candlesticks - both simple and affordable objects.

STEP 2. WHAT WILL YOU USE TO ACCENT YOUR FOCAL POINT?

One of our favorite (generally free) holiday decorative accents is Christmas tree cuttings. You can find these at your local garden center, tree lot, Home Depot or Lowes. 

Any real or artificial greenery will work great with your setting. We used this accent around both focal points, filling in and around each center piece with as much fresh trimmings as would allow. 

STEP 3. SELECT YOUR CANDLE-LIT ACCENT

In both table settings we chose to use small colored mercury glass votives which added varied heights to centerpiece. This also gave us an opportunity to add a pop of color and warmth. There are no set rules here, any type of votive or candlestick will work. The hope is to use something you already own and have on hand. 

STEP 4. DECIDE YOUR THIRD AND/OR FOURTH ACCENT

Dress your foliage with an added layer of any of the following accents: ornaments, pinecones, berries, whole nuts, bells, etc. 

Our first, more decorative setting we used pinecones, rustic decorative balls and small metallic, glittery ornaments. The metallic, glittery ornaments added glitz to our simple, elegant table scape.

Our second, more rustic table setting we used pinecones and berry branches. The berry branches along with the red votives added the perfect splash of color against the natural foliage, birch branches and pinecones…classic and timeless. 

STEP 5. YOUR PLACE SETTING

Things to include with your place setting:

• Charger and/or placemat
• Dinner plate
• Salad plate
• Soup bowl (if necessary)
• Silverware
• Napkin & ring (if desired)
• Drink glass - left
• Wine glass - right (if necessary)
• Add a name setting if necessary.

There are a lot of ways to decorate your table that can be easy and simple. Enjoy. Have fun. Don’t’ get overwhelmed by the process. Follow these basic steps to help create a fun, creative holiday table to share with your family and friends.